Skin Health
What research shows about tremella (snow fungus) and other mushrooms for skin, how much is lab work, one small hand-gel study, and a known skin reaction to raw shiitake.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
Skin reaction to raw shiitake: know this first
A review of shiitake mushroom dermatitis describes a skin reaction caused by eating raw or undercooked shiitake, with streaks of red raised rash and severe itching. [1] It is likely linked to lentinan, a beta-glucan that is inactivated by heat, and handling the mushroom can also cause an allergic contact dermatitis. [1] See cooking edible mushrooms safely and shiitake. Rash, swelling, or trouble breathing after any mushroom product needs medical attention; see when to seek medical help.The short answer
"Mushrooms for skin" is mostly a story about lab studies and cosmetic ingredients. We found no good human trial showing that eating a mushroom supplement improves wrinkles, dryness, acne or any skin condition. The best-known skin mushroom is tremella, also called snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis, accepted name per GBIF). [2] For the full profile, see tremella.Traditional use
A dermatology review says tremella has historically been popular in herbal and Asian medicine and cuisine. [3] That describes tradition, not proof of any skin benefit. We read no source describing a specific traditional skin preparation, and we give none.What research shows
Research is grouped by the type of study, because a result in a dish of cells does not mean the same thing in people.| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence | Form and group studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does tremella protect skin cells in the lab? | Tremella polysaccharide was tested against injury from hydrogen peroxide in human skin fibroblasts (cells that make skin's support tissue). [4] | Preclinical (cells) | Tremella polysaccharide extract in cultured cells |
| What do reviews say about tremella and skin? | Studies have looked at anti-aging, sun protection, wound healing and barrier protection, but most have been limited to cells and animals. [3] The authors say clinical research is needed. [3] | Preclinical, with human data missing | Review of tremella polysaccharide extracts |
| Does tremella applied to skin moisturize? | A hand gel containing snow mushroom polysaccharide moistened skin better than a placebo gel up to the end of the study at 180 minutes. [5] | Promising but very limited (small, short, one product) | 20 volunteers; topical gel with the extract added to an alcohol-based hand sanitizer |
| Do other mushrooms help skin in cosmetics? | A review reports that extracts of reishi, shiitake, oyster mushroom and button mushroom can inhibit enzymes linked to skin aging and pigmentation, and calls for more research. [6] | Preclinical | Laboratory enzyme tests of mushroom extracts in the review |
| Does eating or taking mushrooms improve skin? | Proper evidence not found | No evidence found | None |
Names used in the reviews: reishi is Ganoderma lucidum, [7] shiitake is Lentinula edodes [8] and oyster mushroom is Pleurotus ostreatus. [9]
Forms: why the form matters
- A cream, serum or gel is a cosmetic product. The hand-gel result applies to that product and cannot be applied to a tremella drink, powder or capsule.
- Eating tremella as food and applying its extract to skin are different exposures. We read no human study linking tremella food intake to skin changes.
- "Mushroom skincare" labels do not tell you the species, the part, or the amount of extract. For label reading, see how to read a mushroom supplement label.
Frequently asked questions
Does tremella (snow fungus) improve skin?
In the lab and in animals, tremella polysaccharide has shown protective effects, but human clinical research is still needed. [3] One small trial found a hand gel with snow mushroom polysaccharide moistened skin better than a placebo. [5]
Do mushroom supplements help with wrinkles or acne?
Proper evidence not found. We searched PubMed for human trials and read none for mushroom supplements.
Are mushroom skincare products proven?
Reviews describe lab findings and call for more research. [6] The one human study we read was small and tested a single hand gel. [5]
Can mushrooms cause skin reactions?
Yes. Raw or undercooked shiitake can cause a streaky itchy rash, and handling mushrooms can cause allergic contact dermatitis. [1]
Is it safe to use mushroom skincare if I have allergies?
Mushroom allergy is possible. Ask a clinician or pharmacist, especially if you have had a reaction to mushrooms, and read mushroom allergy and food intolerance.
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Proper evidence not found: mushroom supplements by mouth for skin
Safety
- Allergy: mushroom allergy and contact reactions are possible, as the shiitake review shows. [1] See mushroom allergy and food intolerance.
- Medicines, pregnancy, children, liver and kidney, surgery: the skin sources above do not address these. Lack of information is not proof of safety. Ask a pharmacist or clinician, and see how interactions work.
- Products: quality varies, and what is on a label may not match what is in the bottle; see quality testing and certifications.
- Persistent rashes, skin changes, or spots that change shape or bleed need a clinician. Our skin and hair safety guide explains when.
For skin habits that have stronger support, read Skin & Hair.